Please use this topic to discuss Bigelow Aerospace's NASA contract to provide a new inflatable module for the International Space Station.

SpaceAholic

Poor Cupola...

328KF

That was my first thought when I saw this too. The PMM already blocked one portion of the view from there, but it's not shown in that diagram.

Aside from that, I am happy to see NASA finally test this technology with astronauts in orbit. I first saw an inflatable module at JSC in 1998 and was kinda curious what crewmembers might think about them. While there, I actually had the chance to ask John Young and he related the structure more to an automobile tire than to a balloon, and was very confident in the safety margins.

Good for Mr. Bigelow seeing the value in this cast-off project from NASA and moving it forward.

Robert Pearlman

The graphic isn't new, so it may not reflect the current plan for BEAM (including its size, which I have seen described as "small.")

And if I recall correctly, the Cupola is slated to be moved to Unity (Node 1), though that might occur after BEAM is installed on Tranquility (Node 3). And BEAM is only meant to be a temporary test article.

On the upside, the Cupola may offer some unique up-close views of BEAM inflating and deflating in space...

Robert Pearlman

New Bigelow and NASA imagery show the actual size and placement of BEAM on the International Space Station.